Chlodnik Litewski

Name: Chlodnik Litewski
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Polish
Ingredients: 4 medium beets, cooked and cooled; 500ml kefir or buttermilk; 300ml beet cooking liquid, chilled; 2 cucumbers, diced; 6 radishes, thinly sliced; 4 hard-boiled eggs, halved; 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp chives, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Salt, pepper, sugar to taste

Chlodnik Litewski (KHWOHD-neek lee-TEV-skee)

Cold Beetroot Soup

⏱ Prep Time 30 min + chilling

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

🔥 Calories 184 kcal

A stunning pink chilled soup made with beetroot, kefir, and fresh vegetables, crowned with halved hard-boiled eggs — Poland's refreshing summer soup.

Nutrition & Info

Protein 8.0g

Carbs 20.0g

Fat 8.0g

Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ dairy ⚠ eggs

Equipment Needed

large pot mixing bowl box grater

Presentation Guide

Vessel: chilled bowl

Garnishes: hard-boiled egg, dill, chives

Accompaniments: rye bread

Ingredients

4 medium beets, cooked and cooled
500ml kefir or buttermilk
300ml beet cooking liquid, chilled
2 cucumbers, diced
6 radishes, thinly sliced
4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp chives, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt, pepper, sugar to taste

Instructions

1
Grate cooked beets on a box grater or dice finely.
2
Combine grated beets with kefir, chilled beet liquid, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
3
Stir in diced cucumber, sliced radishes, and most of the dill and chives.
4
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until very cold.
5
Ladle into chilled bowls. Top each serving with halved hard-boiled eggs.
6
Garnish with remaining dill and chives. Serve ice-cold.

💡

Did You Know?

Chlodnik is so vibrantly pink that first-time diners are often startled — but one spoonful of the tangy, refreshing soup converts skeptics instantly.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
mixing bowl
box grater

Garnishing

hard-boiled egg, dill, chives

Accompaniments

rye bread

The Story Behind Chlodnik Litewski

Chlodnik litewski traces to the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, blending Lithuanian beetroot traditions with Polish dairy culture. It became the defining summer soup of Polish cuisine, served when temperatures rise and hot soups become unthinkable.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed summer lunch 📜 Origins: Lithuanian-Polish Commonwealth

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